Congratulates! We are happy to know that you are expecting. This is a time when you need to take care of yourself more than anything, and that includes even the small details starting from your eating habits to your sleeping position; everything has to be perfect. Getting scared? Overwhelmed? Well, don’t be. We are here to help.
Pregnancy can be difficult for your food habits; as your taste changes, you may not like some of your foods anymore or may start liking those you never preferred before. Along with that, there are many old wives’ tale that tells pregnant women what they should eat and what they should not.
One such item is cinnamon. It has been said that cinnamon causes miscarriage. But can cinnamon cause a miscarriage? This aromatic spice is quite rich and flavorful and be your absolute favorite. Let’s get into the details and find out if it is safe for you to have cinnamon during pregnancy.
Different Types Of Cinnamon
There are mainly two different types of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon, and cassia cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon is the one that has a sweet taste along with a delicate flavor. This comes from the bark of an evergreen tree. It has different uses, and the flavor is slightly mild than traditional cinnamon.
Cassia Cinamon is a little more potent, and the flavor is also a bit more intense. This is a type of cinnamon that is found mostly in baking. Cassia cinnamon also comes from the bark of an evergreen tree which is found in China mostly.
Health Benefits Of Cinnamon
Cinnamon has got some amazing health benefits when taken in small amounts, which can be an advantage for pregnant ladies. Let’s see what are the prominent health benefits.
Strengthen The Immune System
The immune system of females gets altered drastically during pregnancy. This is the time when they are vulnerable and prone to illness and different infections, which could prove to be harmful to both the mother and the baby as well. The antioxidants in cinnamon help strengthen the immune system and build it tough.
Lowers Blood Sugar Level
Diabetes is among the most common complications that a woman face during pregnancy. It has the capability of creating complications like preterm labor and poor fetal development. Cinnamon helps in reducing the symptoms of diabetes, like, high levels of blood sugar, and also improves insulin sensitivity in pregnant women.
It Helps Reduce Blood Pressure
During pregnancy, women become prone to high blood pressure or hypertension. This can create complications like stroke or kidney damage. In extreme cases, this can also lead to brain damage. Cinnamon helps in reducing hypertension and sometimes is used to treat it as well. Of course, no risk should be taken, and if there are signs of hypertension, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Fights Gestational Diabetes
Though the thought of gaining weight is something every woman detests, be it during pregnancy or not, this is something that is inevitable while you are pregnant. When you gain weight, the risk of getting gestational diabetes increases. This is a very common issue during the last two trimesters. High birth weight, stillbirth, and hypoglycemia are some common risks that can be caused because of this during pregnancy.
How Much Cinnamon Is Safe During Pregnancy?
Actually, the question should be how much coumarin is safe during pregnancy. Some professionals recommend that for each pound, a person should consume 0.05 mg of coumarin. This level is suggested as this intake does not have any risk.
There are others who suggest that the daily intake amount should be limited to ½ to 1 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon. But there have researches that show that pregnant women can take upto 6gms of cinnamon without getting any side effects.
Ways In Which Cinnamon Can Be Harmful During Pregnancy
Can cinnamon cause a miscarriage? Every food has got some health benefits, but if exploited, it can be dangerous. This is exactly the case with cinnamon. If too much cinnamon is consumed, it can become a risk for a pregnant woman. If you are worried that cinnamon can be the reason for miscarriage, then read below:
Induces Periods
Consuming cinnamon in a high quantity can induce a miscarriage. Cinnamon has got certain properties that mimic hormones that trigger labor, irrespective of the form in which you have consumed cinnamon. If the recommended quantity exceeds, this can be risky and can increase uterine contractions and increases the chance of miscarriage.
Excessive Bleeding
Blood has got platelets, and these are in the bone marrow, which is actually responsible for clotting. This is important to avoid excessive bleeding, especially when in labor. Consuming too much cinnamon reduces the platelet count. This makes the blood thin and ultimately leads to bleeding excessively. This can be really dangerous for the baby and the mother.
Allergic To Cinnamon
Pregnancy can make pregnant women allergic to cinnamon without their knowledge. Allergies can trigger complications and can even lead to death if left unattended and untreated. So keep an eye out to find out if you are allergic and get immediate medical help if you see any symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Indigestion And Heartburn
The spicy flavor of cinnamon can irritate the digestive system, and during pregnancy, women are already prone to heartburn and indigestion. Pregnancy hormones can take a toll on the body. Though this does not harm the mother or the baby directly in any way, it is best to avoid the intake of cinnamon in large quantities.
Liver Damage
Coumarin, present in cinnamon, can become toxic to the liver. This is something that is found in certain plants and is used to add flavor to sweet foods. Consuming this in large quantities can cause liver damage, and pregnant should be really careful about their daily intake. Symptoms of liver damage are abdominal pain, jaundice, and fatigue.
Can Cinnamon Cause A Miscarriage?
Cinnamon can cause situations that can lead to a miscarriage when consumed in large quantities, like inducing labor, liver damage, and excessive bleeding. It all depends on the quantity of intake. Again here comes the debate, “how much is too much?” There are a few guidelines that health professionals have provided, but more intensive research is required.
Wrapping Up!
Cinnamon is a spice that has been in use for more than a thousand years. It has got a range of health benefits as well. The antioxidants boost the immunity system within the body and can be of great benefit to the mothers, but you have to keep in mind that excess intake can be harmful during this stage.
There are some widely asked questions like, “Can cinnamon cause a miscarriage” or
“Can cinnamon pills cause a miscarriage” or “Can they take cinnamon supplements while pregnancy” or “Is it okay to use cinnamon oil?”
It is best to avoid any kind of cinnamon supplements during pregnancy. Applying cinnamon il externally or smelling it can be harmless but avoid using it internally.
Overall, even if you are consuming cinnamon in different forms, consult a doctor to know the proper dosage, and whenever you feel there is any complication, consult a doctor immediately.
Additional Reading:
- 10 Best Pregnancy Shapewear You Must Try
- Period Cramps Vs Early Pregnancy Cramps
- How To Get Periods Immediately To Avoid Pregnancy?
- What To Do After Losing Mucus Plug During Pregnancy? What’s Next?
- Can Pregnant Women Eat Hot Dogs? Foods To Avoid Or Limit During Pregnancy
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